Pusch Ridge Christian is approaching perfection.
A 15-5 victory over Winkelman Hayden in the quarterfinals of the 2A baseball state tourney at Peoria Sports Complex Stadium pushed Pusch Ridge's record to a clean 21-0.
Pusch Ridge, the defending 2A state champion, is the No. 2 overall-seed in the 24-team 2A bracket, meaning they received a first-round bye Tuesday, then beat San Manuel 7-2 Friday before lighting up Hayden today.
The Lions will play Phoenix Bourgade Catholic on Friday at 3:30 p.m. at Peoria Sports Complex.
The only other Southern Arizona 2A team still playing was No. 17 Desert Christian, which lost to Chandler Valley Christian 10-1.
1A
Tanque Verde is a win away from returning to the championship game for the second-straight season.
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The Hawks, the defending 1A title holders, mercy-ruled Gilbert Christian 15-2 in 4 1/2 innings as ace Mark Harris struck out eight and walked three, allowing just three hits.
"And really, he wasn't as sharp as he is normally," said Tanque Verde coach Jim Lawwill. "But even when he's not his best he is still really good."
Ryan South came through with two triples and two RBIs.
Tanque Verde, the No. 1-seed out of the South, will play West No. 1 Bagdad at 6 p.m. Friday at Tempe Diablo Complex in the semifinals.
3A
Empire, the No. 11 seed, continued its upset run in the 3A baseball quarterfinals.
The Ravens beat No. 3 Lakeside Blue Ridge 3-1 on Saturday at Surprise Baseball Complex.
Empire will play No. 7 Fountain Hills, an 8-2 winner over No. 2 Safford, in the semifinals on Friday at 3 p.m., at Surprise Baseball Stadium.
